Shoulder Tendinitis/Bursitis

Signs and Symptoms:

• Aching after activity
• Tender to the touch on portions of the shoulder
• Increase in severity of pain when arm is raised, especially above the shoulder
• Inflammation (pain, swelling, redness, and loss of function)
• Pain during the night
• Restrictions of arm movement
• Decrease in muscle tone and strength

Injury Description:

• Shoulder tendinitis/bursitis is generally caused by repetitive use of the arm and shoulder especially with over head activities. These repetitive activities can cause trauma to the tendons and bursae in the shoulder causing them to become inflamed. As these structures become inflamed there is no longer sufficient space in the shoulder for normal motion. As the arm is raised these inflamed structures get pinched under the coracoacromial arch causing pain. This can cause a vicious cycle of impingement causing inflammation which in turn causes more impingement.

What Can I Do?

• Apply ice to the shoulder to decrease the inflammation especially after activities which irritate the shoulder. A bag of ice should be applied for 15 to20 minutes. Frozen vegetables work great as ice bags and can be used over and over again.
• Prior to activity heat can be applied to the shoulder for relief of pain and to increase blood supply to the shoulder which prepares it for work
• Rest is also important. It allows the inflamed and irritated structures to calm down and begin to heal.
• If symptoms persist consult your physician.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
 

For more information about shoulder tendinitis-bursitis check out this link:
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/rotatorcuff/a/shbursitis.htm

Click Here to learn stretches and exercises for your upper body.